Homemade Feta Cheese: A Simple Guide

While the idea of making feta cheese with just lemon and milk might seem appealing, it’s not a realistic or accurate method. True feta cheese requires a specific process involving milk coagulation, which cannot be achieved solely with lemon and milk.

However, you can make a simple, fresh cheese at home using a few more ingredients. This recipe results in a creamy cheese that can be enjoyed in salads, on crackers, or crumbled over pasta.

Ingredients:

• 1 quart whole milk
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1/4 cup buttermilk
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Cheesecloth or a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth

Instructions:

1. Warm the Milk: Gently heat the milk in a saucepan over medium heat until it reaches about 85-90°F (29-32°C). Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature. Do not boil the milk.
2. Add Acid: Remove the milk from heat and slowly pour in the lemon juice and buttermilk, stirring constantly. The milk will begin to curdle.
3. Let it Set: Cover the pot and let it sit undisturbed for 5-10 minutes, or until the curds have separated from the whey.
4. Drain the Whey: Line a colander with cheesecloth and place it over a bowl. Gently pour the curds into the cheesecloth.
5. Press the Curds: Gently press the curds to remove excess whey. You can place a plate or bowl on top of the cheesecloth to add weight.
6. Salt and Chill: Sprinkle the curds with salt. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until the cheese has firmed up.
7. Enjoy: Remove the cheese from the cheesecloth and enjoy immediately, or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Tips and Variations:

• Use Pasteurized Milk: For safety, use pasteurized milk for this recipe.
• Add Herbs: For extra flavor, add fresh herbs like dill, mint, or chives to the curds before pressing.
• Marinating: Marinate the cheese in olive oil, herbs, and spices for a more intense flavor.

Disclaimer: This information is for general knowledge and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.

While this recipe doesn’t yield traditional feta cheese, it’s a simple and delicious way to make fresh cheese at home. Enjoy the process and experiment with different flavors and techniques to create your own unique variations.